School art project celebrates Rowntree legacy

Banners made by children at a school founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree have put up in York as part of events to mark 100 years since his death.

The pictures, which were created by pupils at New Earswick Primary, have been hung from lampposts in the city centre.

Rowntree began building the model village of New Earswick in 1902 for workers at his family's nearby confectionary factory.

Deputy head teacher Sophie Asquith said Rowntree was an "integral" figure in the area and that it was "important" for pupils at the school to learn about his work.

The banners have been designed to reflect Rowntree's impact on the city

Wilbur, 11, said his painting helped to "explain all the things [Rowntree] did for the theatre and the people".

He said celebrating Rowntree's legacy was "very important" and that he felt proud to see his artwork on display near York Theatre Royal.

Amy, 10, focussed on Rowntree Park, which was presented to the city in 1920.

She said seeing her drawing on show had felt "really good - I feel proud of myself".

Mrs Asquith said: "We want our children to go out and be the best citizens they can be and to understand where they've come from, what has been built around them - and this was a perfect link to that."

As well as the village, school and a public park, Rowntree also established the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to better understand the causes of social problems.

By 1923, Rowntree's confectionary company employed more than 7,000 people in York, according to The Rowntree Society, a separate educational charity based in York.

However, the society - whose work is enabled by grant funding from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, and the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust - has acknowledged how the firm had earlier benefited from slavery and forced labour in its global supply chains.

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